Proletariat

102 St Marks PlNew York, NY 10009

A self-proclaimed "rare, new and unusual" beer bar, this hole in the wall is a gem on St. Mark's. The bartender has a passion for beer and brings the meaning back to "craft." Make sure to come back weekly to catch the frequent changes in stock.

Because of its small, linear space, Proletariat is best experienced with just one or two friends right after work, and the 5:00 hour will guarantee some great personal attention from the bartender. While he's incredibly friendly and willing to chat, he also comes across as a clear expert, and was constantly offering me small sips and samples to choose from until I settled upon a favorite. Prices can run anywhere from $6 to $65 (if you really just can't deny a more bourgeois 25 oz. Dansk Mjod Viking Blod), but will fit many tastes.

For the beer connoisseur, it's easy to geek out at offerings that can't be found anywhere in the city, and for the average beer drinking patron, it's a modest, warm, and not at all sloppy spot that you'll leave feeling just a bit more educated.